When searching for things to do in Havre, Montana, you will absolutely want to visit all of the historical sites and railroad. Although it’s home to Historic Fort Assiniboine, a late 19th-century Army installation, Buffalo Jump Archeological Site, and other Native American landmarks, Havre is best known as a railroad town. Founded in 1893 mainly to serve as a major railroad service center for the Great Northern Railway, Havre, Montana still nicknamed the crown jewel of the Hi-Line. These are the most well-known of what’s in Havre, Montana.

While Havre is a pretty charming city, that wasn’t always the case. Parts of its story are pretty sinister, and we’re all glad they’re in the past.

Havre is the eighth largest city in Montana, and it's the largest city in the Montana section of the Hi-Line.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Needless to say, it was a total game-changer for the city when the railroad came to town.
When the booming railroad industry brought more people to town, Havre went from a quiet little spot to a booming city... and not all of it was good.
Eric O'Brien / Flickr
Racism was rampant back then, so when Chinese workers came to town, they were often forced to use underground tunnels to travel from place to place safely. Those underground tunnels were known for illicit activity, from bordellos to opium dens.
When a fire destroyed most of Havre in 1904, legitimate businesses moved underground, joining the illicit businesses so city operations could continue.
OJMO / TripAdvisor
And while the town above was being rebuilt, locals enjoyed the Sporting Eagle Saloon, a barber shop, restaurants, and at least three bordellos.

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These days, you can still see the remnants of the underground city on the Havre Beneath the Streets tour.
CardFanDubG / TripAdvisor
This is one one of the best things to do in Havre Montana. Tours are available daily in the summertime, Monday-Saturday (during limited hours) in the off season. It's fascinating to see how the locals lived not so long ago.
In 1916, representatives from the Law and Order League of Chicago visited Havre, apparently to assess its lawlessness compared to Chicago. Of the 16 cities they visited, Havre was ranked among the worst.
Jasperdo / Flickr
The report described the city as 'The sum total of all that is vicious and depraved parading openly without restraint.' They listed smugglers, gangsters, opium dealers (and users), and sinners of all varieties.
Of course, Havre is a charming and peaceful city now, especially when compared to a bustling place like Chicago.
The West End / Flickr
That being said, its rough history can't be ignored. Taking the underground tour and exploring the Havre Railroad Museum is a great way to learn more about it.

Have you done any of these things to do in Havre, Montana? Havre is far from the only city in Montana to be shaped by our local railroad and mining past. Butte was once known as the Richest Hill on Earth.

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Things to do in Havre Montana

Jessica Bohl | July 15, 2022

What are some places to eat in Havre Montana?

There are some great places to eat in Havre Montana. For mouthwatering pastries, you will want to check out the Infinity Bake Shoppe. It’s located in downtown Havre in the historic 305 Building. Inside you will find delicious scones, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and more. They often sell out, so get there early to grab your treat!  For a fun, 50s-themed restaurant, try Wolfer’s Diner downtown on 3rd Avenue. It’s a favorite local hangout with retro décor. The food is amazing and you’ll feel transported to the 1950s, so check it out today! . Finally, for an amazing burger, you must stop at Rod’s Drive In. The“ugly burger” here is known state-wide and that is no small feat!

Are there any weird museums in Montana?

Montana has its fair share of quirky museums. For computer lovers, head over to the American Computer & Robotics Museum in Bozeman. There you can learn about the history of all things computer. The Legacy Doll Museum in Billings promotes doll preservation and has an extensive collection of early model dolls. And for those who love dinosaurs, check out the Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum. This museum is based on the theory that dinosaurs and humans lived at the same time and that dinosaurs were even on Noah’s Ark. So if these quirky museums interest you, be sure to put them on your bucket list and check them out. You could even make a road trip out of it and take time to visit weird museums throughout Montana!

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